Joint IDC-CDI and IDU Statement on non-transparent invalidation of mayoral elections in Chisinau, Moldova

We, the President of IDC-CDI and the Chairman of IDU, express our deep concern on the decision of the arbitrary court, followed by Moldovan Supreme Court of Justice, which deprived the people of Chisinau of their democratically elected mayor. On 3rd of June Andrei Nastase has scored a clear victory, which was not questioned by the voters. Against the peoples will, the Plahotniuc-Dodon regime has decided to use the politically controlled justice system to bring through the backdoor their own mayor and completely ignore the backbone of every democracy, the right to vote. Such decisions demonstrate the obvious strategy of the ruling elite of authoritarian, undemocratic and arbitrary rule and cast serious doubts on the commitment of the Moldovan authorities to advance necessary reforms.

We express our solidarity with the peaceful protesters and recognise their right to defend democratic elections, which is a fundamental right of the citizens and a red line, not to be crossed.

We call on the Moldovan authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure that the results of the Chisinau elections will be respected and allow Andrei Nastase to take up his responsibility as democratic elected mayor of Chisinau. Moldova, which signed the Association Agreement with the EU, has taken commitments on juridical independence, rule of law, free and democratic elections, and also has to apply them.

We urge international organisations and governments to condemn Moldovan authorities and to support the Moldovan people in their right to free and fair elections.

Stephen Harper
IDU Chairman

Andrés Pastrana
IDC-CDI President